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By Daniel Adaji
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has called on the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to play a more active role in financing space science and satellite technology projects across the continent.
Dr Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications at NASRDA, made the appeal during a media chat on the sidelines of the ongoing 32nd Annual Afreximbank Conference held in Abuja.
He emphasised that supporting space development is crucial for unlocking Africa’s socio-economic potential.
“Africa is the world’s second-largest and second most populated continent after Asia. Its land surface is larger than the United States, India, China, Japan, Mexico and many European countries combined,” Ale said.
According to him, space technology offers an unmatched opportunity for harnessing Africa’s abundant natural resources to benefit its people.
He stressed that satellite-based solutions are essential for development in agriculture, disaster management, security, education, and communication.
Ale congratulated the President of Afreximbank, Professor Benedict Oramah, for his accomplishments and urged the bank to extend its support to space innovation on the continent.
“Afreximbank’s role as a financial institution positions it uniquely to provide the necessary funding for space-related initiatives that can transform the continent out of poverty and squalor,” he stated.
He recommended that the bank offer grants and tailored loans for satellite programmes and invest in research infrastructure and human capital development. He also encouraged the facilitation of public-private partnerships, bringing together space agencies and private sector innovators to collaborate on projects.
“Afreximbank can facilitate dialogue among stakeholders in the space sector to identify opportunities for joint ventures,” he said, adding that cross-border cooperation on satellite deployment and space exploration would enhance regional integration and Africa’s influence in global space science.
While praising NASRDA’s recent strides, Ale commended its Director General, Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, for his leadership in advancing Nigeria’s space ambitions. He also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s “passion for space development” and described the support for NASRDA as a sign of the agency’s growing strategic importance.
He noted that President Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s space programme would soon set him apart as “a giant and reference point in Africa and indeed in the community of space practice across the globe.”